Overly sweet tomato sauce can overpower other flavors, so if it’s too sweet for your taste, add something acidic to balance it out.

Lemons or lemon juice are commonly used for this purpose, as they mask the sweetness of the sauce and add a pleasant, vibrant fruit flavor.

Red wine vinegar and balsamic are two other common choices. One less common choice is mustard, whose acidity tones down sweetness while adding complexity.

To enhance the tomatoes’ natural acidity without too much intervention, try cream of tartar. Whichever acidic ingredient you choose, be sure to add it slowly and taste as you go.